KHIMKI (MOSCOW REGION). Oct 4 (Interfax) - State Duma Deputy Vladimir Gruzdev will fly to space in 2008, Russian State Duma Speaker Boris Gryzlov said.
"Vladimir Gruzdev is included in the group of specialists for the mission. He has already undergone the required medical examination and will definitely fly to space next year," Gryzlov said on Thursday, summarizing the results of a meeting at NPO Lavochkin focused on how to develop a national space development strategy up to 2040.
"The space flight with Vladimir Gruzdev is scheduled for October 2008, and I think it will take place as scheduled," Gryzlov said.
Gruzdev's participation in the mission could be paid for by United Russia, said Gryzlov, who is the leader of United Russia. "This will be our out-of-the-budget contribution into the space program," the party leader said.